Sandy Beach trucks given okay by Town

Thursday

May 31, 2007 at 12:01 AMMay 31, 2007 at 9:41 AM

Sandy Beach is one of the town’s hidden jewels — its white sand, rolling waves and friendly neighbors make it one of residents’ favorite summer spots. The beach is also one of the most protected pieces of Cohasset, with residents getting priority stickers and a waiting list of approximately three years for non-resident stickers.

With warmer weather becoming the norm and beach days just off in the horizon, some residents have grown concerned that a construction crew working on building a house on Whitehead Road is misusing the town-owned parking lot. Town Manager Bill Griffin says that is not the case — a proper process was followed and safety concerns were primary in the decision to allow the trucks to park in the lot.

Nancy White

Sandy Beach is one of the town’s hidden jewels — its white sand, rolling waves and friendly neighbors make it one of residents’ favorite summer spots. The beach is also one of the most protected pieces of Cohasset, with residents getting priority stickers and a waiting list of approximately three years for non-resident stickers.

With warmer weather becoming the norm and beach days just off in the horizon, some residents have grown concerned that a construction crew working on building a house on Whitehead Road is misusing the town-owned parking lot. Town Manager Bill Griffin says that is not the case — a proper process was followed and safety concerns were primary in the decision to allow the trucks to park in the lot.

The town owns and is responsible for the maintenance of the parking lot, while Sandy Beach Association owns the beach itself. The town’s all-facility sticker gives residents access to the Sandy Beach parking lot, the Recycling Transfer Facility, as well as, all parking areas in town that require a sticker. Non-residents must be placed on the Sandy Beach Association waiting list and limited number of stickers is distributed each year. If cars are parked without a sticker, police can issue a $50 ticket.

“On many occasions, individuals or organizations approach [the Town Manager’s office] seeking permission to use the parking lot. Often, it is to park cars for a wedding at a nearby home, or an event like the upcoming triathlon,” said Griffin.

The contractor for the house, which is now in its final stages of completion, approached the town last year to see if various tradesmen could park their vehicles in the parking lot over the winter and early spring months. They cited a lack of space out at the site and the possible negative impact on other properties on the road.

“As with many other events, [Police] Chief Hussey supported the plan to keep as many trucks off our narrow, winding roads as possible, especially in that area with the many people who walk or bicycle the road,” said Griffin. The town and contractor reached an agreement that the vehicles could park there, but would lose their parking privileges as of Memorial Day weekend.

“As with others who seek special permission to use the parking, no fee was charged,” explained Griffin. However, Griffin said the contractor is making a contribution to the Beechwood Ballpark fund in recognition of the cooperation he received from the town.